Chapter 63

<062. Anyway, No>

Once upon a time, there was a series of games called Demon Hunters.

In the game, there's a gambler NPC in each act, and when you buy an item, it's determined to be one of magic, rare, unique, or set. Naturally, the higher the grade, the lower the probability.

I'm telling this story because the black market is exactly like that.

You don't know what you'll get until you check the quality of the item or have it appraised.

"Welcome. What are you looking for?"

"Do you have any Status Anomaly Fruits, including the Explosive Fruit and Paralysis Fruit?"

"Of course I do! Go ahead and pick some!"

"Hmm."

The merchant smiled confidently and nodded, while I stared intently at the fruits.

【Item Check】

【Explosive Fruit. Paralysis Fruit. Illusion Fruit. Explosive Fruit (was). Paralysis Fruit (not)】

...Ha. Look at this.

The ones marked with 'was' or 'not' are 'useless items.' They look the same, but if you try to resell them, you won't even get 1 rin. They're either spoiled or of poor quality.

Yeah. This is what the black market is all about.

"I'll take this one and this one. And that one."

"...Aren't you going to buy the rest?"

"I only deal with high-quality items."

The merchant's smile froze, and he glared at me as if I were a cheat.

I smiled and looked at Nephthys, not Eve.

She immediately stood between the merchant and me, as if to protect me.

"You're quick."

"A capable bodyguard. What are you going to do?"

"Tsk. I get it. Just wait a moment."

The merchant skillfully picked the fruits and put them in a bag, and I watched him closely to make sure he didn't switch them. He's not that kind of guy, at least.

After the transaction, as we walked down the street, Nephthys asked me a question.

"Why didn't you buy the rest?"

"...Do I need to spend my money on trash?"

"...Are you saying they're fake?"

"Yes."

"Shouldn't you report it? What if something happens in Jefrin...?"

"Here is Jefrin, yet not Jefrin. The mindset of those who sell items in the black market is like this."

"What kind of mindset?"

"The black market is a world where both sides are playing a game. If you buy a bad item, it's mostly your fault for not knowing better."

"...What a trashy mindset. This is why the black market is what it is."

"Exactly. It really is a trashy place. But there are items that can't be found anywhere else. And something even trashier than that..."

"And?"

"Nothing. It's nothing."

I glanced at the inner part of the black market.

This 'business street' at the entrance is cuter than I thought.

It's just a place where merchants cheat.

But the inner part of the black market is filled with unimaginable filth.

"Nephthys. If you ever have to come here again, don't go inside."

"Yes, yes...?"

"Absolutely don't go inside."

"Understood."

I stroked my face and touched my throat.

【Fake Face】 【Fake Voice】

These two low-tier spells, which wear off quickly, have given birth to the terrifying darkness inside the black market.

Even now, it feels like the darkness of the 'Kelters Corruption Route' is automatically replaying in my mind.

What do the countless 'expelled students' and 'failed students' dream of?

It's a life like that of an 'Academy Celebrity.'

And what brought them salvation was 'Fake Face' and 'Fake Voice.'

The inner part of the black market is swarming with people who have changed their faces to look like celebrities.

They role-play.

Sincerely.

No kidding, really.

They change their faces and voices, but not their bodies. So, when a 198cm tall man with Rudyka's face says, "I am Rudyka, the Assassin of the Abyss. Sleep in the shadows," it's really...

Ugh.

"Anyway, don't go near that darkness."

"Huh? I won't. I don't have any reason to come here."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I want to earn money with integrity!"

Nephthys' words were filled with conviction.

So what?

It's reassuring.

***

We returned to the convenience store and started preparing for the work.

I was exhausted from the rare outing, but Nephthys quickly prepared everything.

"Everything is ready."

"...Hmm."

Various beans for Mix Beans, flasks and basic reagents for potion making, minerals, and fruits.

The setup for the Handy Worker's kit was neat and tidy, and I nodded in approval.

"You handle things efficiently."

"Thank you."

"Indeed, you're the ace of the Knight Department's second year."

"Wow... I haven't heard that in a while."

"In a while?"

"Yes. Lately, I'm not called by that name much. It feels like I'm called 'Nephthys' more often."

Nephthys put her index finger to her chin, thought for a moment, and then laughed.

You.

Cheeky.

"Since it might interfere with the work, I'll go back now!"

"Hmm. Aren't you curious about what I'm making?"

"I am, but I have a night shift now!"

"You're working hard."

"I need a lot of money!"

Nephthys, wearing a safety armband and putting on her gloves, was ready to leave the convenience store.

Looking at her back, which seemed to genuinely enjoy the work, I felt a bit puzzled.

In the original story, Nephthys was poor, but she wasn't a character who would go to such lengths for money.

"Nephthys. Why are you so obsessed with money? Is it that urgent?"

"Huh? Oh, um."

Nephthys paused, thinking for a moment, and then smiled as if it was nothing.

"Actually, senpai... ...It's like this."

"Speak freely. I'm the one who asked."

"Yes, yes. I think I don't need to send more money home if I just want to support myself. My mother has started a small business. Hehe. I have three younger siblings, but they're all so cute!"

"But?"

"My siblings... They want to come to Jefrin. Even if they can't get in, the entrance exam fees are not cheap. I have to work hard."

"......"

Auntie.

Listen to me.

"When your siblings come. If your stamina is as bad as mine, they'll be very happy."

"......That's true."

Nephthys laughed and put the potion in her pocket.

Just before leaving, she tilted her head and asked me with pure curiosity.

"But, senpai."

"What is it?"

"How can I lower my stamina like you?"

"......"

Hey.

Give me the potion.

I'll just drink it and die.

***

The next day.

I carried the items I made and headed to the Student Council room.

"Ah, Mr. Wolffram. It's been a while."

"It has been a while."

"Last time, you helped us a lot during the expedition. Thank you."

"Hmm. Make sure to assist that guy well in the future."

"Yes, yes!"

"Ah, Mr. Wolffram, hello!"

"You've been working hard."

Most of the greetings I received were full of goodwill.

Most of them were from the executives who had been on the expedition with me, and I casually passed by them as I headed to the Student Council room where Eve was.

They say that when you do good, you get recognition. The encouragement from the last expedition seems to have helped a lot.

"...Tsk. Why are you here?"

"......"

"Answer me! Wolffram von Loewengrim!"

"......"

The silver-haired elf.

No, no, it's not Sylph Evergreen Grove, but the 'Delusion Knight.'

"Is that so."

What's the matter now?

"At that time, I said this. I'd rather die than receive help from you! And... and I ended up receiving help. So, are you here to take my life?!"

"......"

"Then, if you're not going to take my head, take it cleanly. Give me a death without shame!"

What a crazy idea in front of the Student Council room, the former Student Council president trying to cut the current president's right-hand man's head off?

Ayla, are you saying Wolffram has gone mad? It's that kind of idea.

Does this kid have a gland that produces delusions instead of a brain? Has her brain been pickled by something?

"Move. I have something to say to Eve."

"You're not going to cut my head off?"

"No, I don't plan to. I'm here to discuss the sports festival."

"...Is that so. Hmm. I understand. Fill out the official form and... follow me."

Guided by the Spirit Knight, no, the Delusion Knight, I was able to have a private meeting with Eve.

Now then.

This is the real showdown.

***

As expected, Eve read the documents I handed over seriously and sighed deeply.

"Wolffram. Wolffram von Loewengrim."

"What is it, Eve von Loewengrim?"

"The document you submitted. It says here that you're offering a cheering potion package and snacks for the parents."

"Hmm. That's right. After all, the parents might inhale a lot of sand or get heatstroke."

"You're not planning any mischief, are you?"

Oh, how can you say such a bad thing?

What are these kids learning these days?

"...Mischief, huh. What kind of mischief?"

"I mean, are you selling some nonsense? You're known for making strange items, so I'm suspicious of this potion!"

"Hmm."

Oh, look at this. Eyes wide open, are you going to make me the Student Council president?

And what are you staring at me like that for? If I were to pull a prank, what kind of prank would I pull to make you stare like that? It's just ridiculous.

Just a little. A very little.

"It's a potion that makes you feel good."

"Are you serious?!"

"Hmm. Don't get angry, clear the table, stand up straight, and take a deep breath. Eve von Loewengrim, listen carefully."

"...Breathe in, breathe out. Okay. Speak. Make sure I don't stab you with this table knife."

"Good. You know the effects of the potion, right? Simply put, there are two main types of potions. One is the Enchanted Potion, which can instantly heal even those without mana. The other is the Regular Potion, which quickly enhances the body's functions."

"That's right."

"However, Enchanted Potions can cause mana contamination, so they are generally only taken by those with mana. But the parents are ordinary people. Enchanted Potions are dangerous for them."

"...So?"

"But this Regular Potion, while enhancing various bodily functions, also causes a slight rebound. It makes you a bit dizzy when healing wounds quickly, and your body gets a bit hot when increasing resistance... But if you follow the instructions, it's safe for ordinary people to drink. Right?"

"Is... is that so?"

"Then, what is it? Is this a potion or alcohol?"

"Huh, huh?"

"Is it alcohol or not?"

"...It's not alcohol?"

"That's right."

"...Then, um. I guess it's okay to approve it?"

"That's right. And what did you say? 'For the purpose of selling to parents.' Can drinking a potion by an adult following the instructions be considered drinking alcohol?"

"Um, no, no?"

"No."

"...There are no bad effects. The dizziness is just a side effect of recovery. But in the long term, it will definitely increase your stats."

"It's a potion, after all. Think about it. Is this alcohol?"

"Is... is it not alcohol? Ah, it doesn't seem like it."

"【It is not.】"

"It's not."

"Hmm."

"Alright. I'll issue the sales permit."

"Hmm."

Eve, whose eyes were spinning, finally stamped the Student Council seal on my application.

See.

Even the Student Council president says it's not alcohol.